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Q: What is mobile phone and device locking?
Some mobile wireless service providers use software "locks" on their devices. These locks are meant to ensure that devices can only be used on the networks of specific service providers.
Q: Why do providers lock mobile wireless devices?
In many instances, devices are sold with subsidies (or discounts) in exchange for a required service plan agreement, often months or years in length, or subject to a device installment plan. Most service plan agreements have an early termination clause that includes a penalty to be paid to end the agreement ahead of schedule. Locking software is meant to ensure that devices will be active for a certain period of time or amount of usage on the network of the provider that sold that device with a subsidy (or discount) or with a device installment plan.
Q: Is my cell phone currently locked?
Unless you purchased a phone or device specifically sold as "unlocked" at the point of purchase, you should assume that it is locked to a specific service provider's network. This is true whether you purchase the device from a service provider, at a general retail outlet (in person or on the web), or through a third-party.
Q: Are mobile devices besides phones locked, too?
Yes, tablets and other mobile devices can be locked to networks. The new standards cover mobile wireless devices, including tablets. You should check with your service provider to see if your mobile device is locked and what terms and conditions you have agreed to.
Q: How do I Get My Phone Unlocked?
There are a few different approaches you can take to get your phone unlocked:
- Ask your service provider. You likely won't get the unlocking codes from them unless they feel really nice. If you have been a customer for many years then you might have a better chance.
- Arrange to buy unlocking codes over the internet. You send your phone's IMEI (=serial number), make and model number to someone and they send you back the codes specific to your handset. These numbers are generated since someone has figured out the decoding sequence for the handset's manufacturer.
- You either send your phone off or take your phone to someone that will use computer cables to unlock your phone.
Your phone is at no risk.
Q: Is unlocking legal?
Mobile phone unlocking is perfectly legal if you own the handset.
However; If you are in the United States of America and own a cell phone that was manufactured before January 26, 2013, you may legally unlock it in accordance with the exemption to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. However, cell phone unlocking will now be illegal in the United States of America for any USA service provider cell phone that is manufactured starting January 26th, 2013, unless you have permission from the service provider your phone is locked to.
